New hatred of bath time (6 months)

[seven201]

My 6 month dd used to quite enjoy bath time. We used to do it every night at 7 ish. Over the past month she suddenly hates it! We thought maybe she was over tired so brought bath time forward but that didn't help. I make sure she's not hungry. Tried cooler or warmer. Bought a little upright swivel seat (she generally hates laying down). Tried holding her sitting up. Tried quite shallow and deeper. We make all sorts of positive noises as we put her in and try and show her favourite bath toys etc but she gives us a look of 'how could you?!' Then commences screaming. Every time. Today we tried doing it in the morning when she was happy but same problem. We're just giving her less baths these days. She used to have a bottle of formula after bath, given by my dh but she is in such a state by then that she only accepts boob which is not a habit we want to allow to develop/stick as I like to go out sometimes! Next things to try are shower (I don't think that will work) or a bath with me, but that seems like a right faff if that's how we're going to have to do it every time.

Anyone been through similar? Any suggestions? I'm hoping it will just stop as suddenly as it started.

I don't think any of this applies but just in case... she does have silent reflux which I think is controlled ok (or maybe not?) with ranitidine and also cow's milk protein allergy (I've given up all milk products and she has prescription formula that tastes disgusting before bed). She has oilatum in her bath as she does get dry skin and possibly a bit of eczema sometimes.

[SilverLinings2014]

It's fairly normal for them to go through a phase of not liking baths. At six months her awareness will be developing quickly but it will pass as long as you remain positive about it.

A bath a couple of times a week will be fine until she's comfortable again. You might find it helps with her dry skin anyway as well as giving you more time in your day.

[seven201]

Thanks Silver, that is good to hear!

[UnicornInDMboots]

Happened here as well. And when we go away still at 15 months she won't go in anyone else baths!
We just stopped. Washing her down with a flannel and soapy water will be just fine ! We offered one bath to see if she would like it if she screamed we took her out and told her ok it's fine and washed her.
We got her some new toys and let her play with them out of the bath then put them in the bath and she was then happy to go in !

[Shootingstar2289]

My son absolutely loved the bath then suddenly hated it, screaming refusing to get (he was about a year old at the time). No idea why he started to hate but I started bathing with him. I know it sounds like a faff but you may only need to do it a few times before she starts enjoying bath time again. It worked for us. He starting enjoying it again.

[seven201]

Ok great! Thank you both. I will try the toys out of the bath and if that doesn't work getting in with her.

[mischadee]

My 1 year old daughter started to get scared of baths so I started putting loads of bubbles and toys for her to play but she wasn't keen still. I've resorted to sitting in the bath with her for now so she feels safer.

[seven201]

Thanks mischadee